The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission will be conducting a renovation and rehabilitation to the pedestrian bridge located at Bulls Island Recreation Area Day Use Area.  The foot bridge will be CLOSED to the public between Sunday, March 3, 2013 to Friday, May 3, 2013.

Please plan your routes accordingly.

Park Users will be re-routed via the Lambertville Streets.   

If you are heading south - users are asked to make a RIGHT onto Coryell Street, cross over the canal, make a LEFT onto the Lambert Lane, and continue to Bridge Street - where the towpath can be accessed again by the Lambertville Station Resturant.

For park users heading north - users are asked to safely cross Bridge Street, cross the canal heading LEFT (towards the Delaware River) and then make a RIGHT onto Lambert Lane.  Head north on Lambert Street to Coryell Street.  Make a RIGHT onto Coryell Street - where the towpath can be accessed again by Finkles

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is in the process of developing a comprehensive management plan for the Bull’s Island Recreation Area upper river camping section, which includes hazardous tree removal and reforestation.  The upper river campground/low lying area campsites are closed for public access until the area can be reopened for passive recreational use.  The down river campsites are closed for the 2012 camping season pending a second phase tree assessment which will be conducted over the summer.  Day use activities in the lower river section, including the boat ramp and picnic area remain open.

The DEP conducted a tree assessment of the entire upper river campground as a result of a large sycamore falling in 2011.  The assessment provided evidence of hazardous trees due to root decay from silt buildup related to repeated floods.  Most of the trees in the area were found to have compromised root systems.

As a result, the DEP closed all camping areas to protect the public.   For the upper river campground which consists of a 5 acre parcel with more than 200 large trees, a management plan is in development to mitigate the public safety hazards with the goal of eventually reopening the area to the public for passive recreation.  The management plan will include the removal of trees in the upper river camping area and replanting of the area with smaller growing trees, shrubs and other native vegetation.  To adequately refine this management plan and to ensure that impacts of the tree removal to the natural resources, including migratory and nesting birds and other wildlife, are minimized, a coordinated team representing the various technical programs within the DEP are providing input to ensure concerns are addressed and any necessary reviews are conducted and appropriate permits obtained.   Plant material that will thrive in this type of environment and not create hazards for public access will be the focus of the plan, with attention to monitoring for, and controlling invasive species.  The area will ultimately reopen for passive recreational use.  The DEP will make a decision on the lower river camping section once the tree assessment is completed.

The Department will continue to update its website message on Bull’s Island Recreation Area as information becomes available.  Thank you.